Mrs. Rita Perez (Miss Rita) was born and raised in Torrance and is blessed to live in the same neighborhood she grew up in.  She has been married for 43 years and is a very proud mother of 6 children and 3 grandchildren. Her passions are teaching and advocating for young children, coaching cheer and dance, singing, dancing, volunteering, and her family. Having attended El Camino College, LA Harbor College and Theoria Technical School, Miss Rita has been in the education field for over 30 years and keeps current with the best practices of the ECE field by attending workshops, training, and conferences. “As an Educator it is important to advocate for children. Although academics are important, I believe that building the foundation of learning through play is the ultimate gift we could give every child. I believe children learn through play, experimenting and exploring the outdoors in an environment that allows them to choose their own learning activity.  Everyday children have something important to tell us and we must wait, be patient and listen.”

Miss Rita’s favorite quote: “If it hasn’t been in the hand, the body and the heart, it can’t be in the brain.” - Bev Bos